Working abroad

Introduction
Currently, approximately 25 per cent of Hawthorne College students work abroad during the summer break. This report aims to show the benefits
and drawbacks of working overseas in order to decide whether the college should recommend the experience to its students.

To prepare for this report, a sample of 100 students were interviewed, 23 of whom had worked abroad. This is a summary of their comments.

Benefits
According to the students interviewed, working overseas during the summer holidays can bring several benefits. Most of all, students can improve
their foreign language skills by working in a non-English speaking country. This may help them get a better job in the future. Additionally, learning
about a different culture and way of life makes people more open-minded. A further advantage is that students may become more confident
when they learn practical skills to help them live independently later in life, for example, finding accommodation and cooking for themselves.

Drawbacks
However, a large number of interviewees mentioned drawbacks as well. Students who need to study over the summer will find it difficult to do so
while working abroad. Most significant of all are finance issues: only a minority of students are able to afford travel expenses, accommodation
and visas. In addition, students may have to take low-income jobs if they are not fluent in the local language, so they may struggle to cover their
expenses.

Conclusion and recommendation

Working abroad may improve students' language skills and confidence. However, students often need to earn money during the holidays to
support their studies and working abroad may not provide the opportunity to save. Also, the cost of travel means that only students who are able
to afford it have the chance to do this. Therefore, the college should only recommend working abroad if there is financial support from the college
for students that need it.